missing in action

This page is about the collocation missing in action

collocation pattern: adjective + noun

Meaning

If someone is "missing in action", they haven't been seen or contacted since being involved in military action.

For example

  • How many of our servicemen and women are missing in action?

  • Some of the soldiers who fought in World War Two are still classified as missing in action.

Note:
A related phrase is "missing, presumed dead"

Quick Quiz

If a soldier has been listed as "missing in action", he

a. has been missing since military action

b. has missed some military action

c. misses military action
a) has been missing since military action b) has missed some military action c) misses military action

Contributor: Matt Errey